SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Higher Certificate in Christian Ministry 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
96411  Higher Certificate in Christian Ministry 
ORIGINATOR
Seth Mokitimi Methodist Seminary NPC 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Higher Certificate  Field 07 - Human and Social Studies  Religious and Ethical Foundations of Society 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of the qualification is to enable learners who can critically apply focused analysis, knowledge and skills in the service, preaching and leadership for both lay and ordained of Christian communities, community organisations and society. This qualification will produce life-long theological learners who will be equipped to raise and debate current issues in African and international contexts. The qualification also seeks to enable learners to develop, clarify and articulate a value system from a Christian perspective. This qualification is intended for consciousness-raising of learners with respect to issues of justice such as gender, social disparity, disability and the environment, and to enable them to develop transformative communities, and contribute to the development of the society as a whole.

Upon completion learners will be able to:
  • Interpret, integrate and apply Christian sources in context.
  • Understand their communities, in the light of the history of Christianity, and position themselves responsibly in their contexts.
  • Analyse information critically, articulate and communicate effectively.
  • Evaluate and apply Christian theology and ethics personally and in community.
  • Practice various Christian ministries in the church.
  • Initiate and develop Christian ministry in the wider community.

    Rationale:
    The aim of this qualification is to transform leaders for church and the nation by providing them with spiritual and academic training required to develop spiritually mature, theologically informed, and vocationally skilled (Methodist) ministers of integrity, faithfulness and excellence.
    The qualification is primarily designed to service a specific sector of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa (MCSA), namely, the local preachers, who do not have qualifications to articulate for the purpose of furthering their studies.

    This qualification addresses the need of local preachers developing their knowledge of the Bible and theology, and improving their skills in preaching, teaching, counseling, administration, and evangelism. The MCSA recognises that many potential local preachers do not have qualifications to enter the Diploma or first-degree level qualifications. This qualification is designed to fill this gap. In addition, this distance learning approach is designed to enable the numerous local preachers under the covering of the MCSA who are unable to attend full time classes. Since most of the local preachers are in secular employment, this distance learning model best suits their needs.

    The seminary qualification emphasises a holistic approach to the ministry of the church in the contemporary African context. This entails the need to be sensitive to the social, economic, political and spiritual concerns of Africa and beyond. The qualification endeavours to address the following approaches: classical and contextual; traditional and contemporary; denominational and ecumenical; African and universal.

    This qualification aims to deliver effective Christian ministry through a thorough grounding in the theological disciplines within the context of a Christian community dedicated to the service of God and humanity. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    All admission through RPL must be in accordance with the principles laid down in the institution's RPL Policy. The PL office can supply full details of processes relating to the assessment and accreditation of learning from prior experiences. Evidence can be presented in a variety of forms, including international or previous local qualifications, reports, testimonials mentioning functions performed, work records, portfolios, videos of practice and performance records as required.

    All such evidence should be judged according to the general principle of assessment described in the notes to assessors. The lecturers will act as assessors for RPL purposes:
  • Formal prior learning: Prior accredited learning of a learner in relevant domains which constitute credit-bearing units or modules should be recognised if evidence can be produced that shows that the learner has achieved, at a satisfactory level, the outcomes and associated assessment criteria specified for the qualification and, if appropriate, allow the recognition of prior learning for the achievement of the qualification in part or in full.
  • Non-formal and informal prior experiential learning: An applicant who falls outside of the formal qualifications system but who can demonstrate (through the production of substantial and satisfactory evidence) experiential or work-based learning or a non-formal qualification (or a combination), may be considered for admission and/or for the recognition of prior learning for the achievement of the qualification in part or in full. An applicant who, after such assessment, is deemed to have sufficient potential but is in need of further academic development, must be directed to other suitable learning qualifications prior to admission or to parallel qualifications after admission.

    All such evidence shall be judged according to the general principles of assessment: appropriate, fair, manageable, valid, direct, authentic, sufficient, systematic, open and consistent.

    Entry Requirements:
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC) granting access to Higher Certificate studies.
    Or
  • National Certificate (Vocational) (NCV) at NQF Level 4.
    Or
  • Senior Certificate (SC) with endorsement. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory modules at level 5, totalling 120 Credits:
  • Introduction to the Bible, 15 Credits.
  • Introduction to Church History, 15 Credits.
  • Theology 1: Introduction to Doctrines, 15 Credits.
  • Homiletics 1: Preaching Skills, 15 Credits.
  • Bib Studies 2: Exegesis and Hermeneutics, 15 Credits.
  • Homiletics 2, 15 Credits.
  • Theology 2: Wesleyan Theology, 15 Credits.
  • Bib Studies 3: Synoptic Gospels, Pastoral Care, 15 Credits.
    Total Credits: 120. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Develop skills for the interpretation of the Christian Scriptures.
    2. Demonstrates an ability to minister to a variety of audiences.
    3. Perform ministerial functions, including administration, leadership, preaching/basic Bible teaching and basic counselling. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Biblical history and its relationship to each book of the Bible are understood.
  • Basic principles of hermeneutics are explained.
  • Hermeneutical principles are applied in interpreting various genres of Scriptures.
  • Passages in light of biblical history are interpreted.
  • The historical background, purpose, and message of each book of the Bible are explained.
  • The relevance of a biblical book to the African context is explained and analysed.
  • The major developments in the history of the Christian faith are discussed.
  • The biblical basis for various doctrinal positions is evaluated.
  • Theological, biblical and `other texts` are critically evaluated, e.g. the experience of women; histories, current documents in churches of various groupings, and narratives, archaeology and history.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Ability to minister to children, youth, and adults in the Southern African context is demonstrated.
  • Personal growth in spiritual maturity is developed and the skills to assist other believers to grow spiritually are displayed.
  • Tolerance, empathy, and respect for those of other cultures are shown.
  • Expository theologically-sound sermons relevant to the African context are preached on.
  • Theological issues are approached in a valid and accountable way, appropriate to the human and social sciences.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Children and youth programmes are effectively planned and led.
  • Those who suffer, especially those infected or affected by HIV-AIDS are appropriately counselled.
  • A variety of teaching methods appropriate to the context is applied.
  • Principles of planning, leading, organising, and controlling are explained and applied.
  • Principles of conflict management and financial management are applied.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Assessment is conducted on a continuous basis throughout the qualification that contains both practical and theoretical components. Assessment is integrated using a range of formative and summative methods, including:
  • Written and oral tests/examinations.
  • Problem-solving/practical assignments and essays.
  • Written reports.
  • Peer group review.
  • Portfolio of evidence. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Certificate in Christian Ministry and Theology is offered by Tabor College in Perth, Australia. This qualification introduces learners to the core values, beliefs and skills for Christian life and ministry. The qualification is designed for learners to study independently, but is also appropriate for group study. Local churches, Christian schools and organisations, youth workers and chaplains, for example, will find the qualification focuses upon the essentials of Christian life and ministry coupled with the flexibility of online delivery readily adaptable to a range of existing or newly created discipleship and training programmes.

    Upon completion learners will demonstrate the following competencies:
  • Identify how Christian Scripture, life and practice are understood today.
  • Identify theological knowledge in relation to the Christian way of life.
  • Communicate theology in everyday language.
  • Communicate appropriately with clients and colleagues.
  • Work within specific communities.

    Tilsley College in North Lanarkshire, United Kingdom offers the Certificate in Christian Ministry. Upon completion the learners will:
  • Have an understanding of the content of the Bible and how it came together and to use the Bible both in their own lives and in ministry.
  • Be able to deal with a wide range of issues connected with leadership, youth and children's work as well as spiritual growth.
  • Play a positive leadership role in church and community.
  • Be equipped to minister Cross-culturally.

    Conclusion:
    This qualification compares favourably with the identified international qualifications in terms of the purpose and competencies that the learners will develop. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification provides the following articulation opportunities:

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Higher Certificate in Christian life at NQF Level 5.
  • Higher Certificate in Christian Leadership and Management at NQF Level 5.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Diploma in Theology and Ministry at NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Christian Leadership at NQF Level 6. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. Seth Mokitimi Methodist Seminary NPC 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.